from βλάσφημος; vilification (especially against God):--blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.
Transliteration:blasphēmía
Pronunciation:blas-fay-me'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word βλασφημία (blasphēmía, `{{G988}}`) derives from βλάσφημος (blasphēmos, `{{G989}}`), which is thought to combine the concepts of "to injure" (βλάπτω, blaptō) and "speech" (φήμη, phēmē). At its root, therefore, βλασφημία signifies "injurious speech" or "defamatory utterance." Its semantic range extends to two primary categories:
1. **Blasphemy against God:** This is the most severe and prominent sense, referring to irreverent, impious, or slanderous speech directed at the divine name, attributes, or actions. It includes attributing evil to God, denying His power or existence, or claiming divine prerogatives. This is a direct affront to God's honor and majesty.
2. **Slander/Reviling against Humans:** In a broader sense, it refers to "slander," "defamation," "reviling," or "evil speaking" against human beings, particularly those in authority or the innocent. While distinct from blasphemy against God in its object, it still represents a destructive and sinful use of speech.
The King James Version's renderings of "blasphemy," "evil speaking," and "railing" accurately reflect this dual scope of the word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βλασφημία (blasphēmía) appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its varied applications:
* **Against Jesus/God:** The most significant occurrences are in the Gospels, where Jesus is accused of *blasphēmía* for claiming divine authority, such as forgiving sins ([[Matthew 9:3]], [[Mark 2:7]], [[Luke 5:21]]) and making Himself equal with God ([[John 10:33]]). Under Jewish law, this was a capital offense ([[Leviticus 24:16]]). The unique and grave sin of "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is mentioned by Jesus ([[Matthew 12:31-32]], [[Mark 3:28-29]], [[Luke 12:10]]). This is not merely speaking ill of the Spirit, but a persistent, willful, and unrepentant rejection of God's saving power and truth, attributing the Spirit's divine work to demonic influence. It signifies a hardened heart that has definitively closed itself off to divine grace. Other instances describe general blasphemy against God as a characteristic of ungodliness or opposition to Him ([[Revelation 13:1]], [[Revelation 16:9]], [[Revelation 17:3]]).
* **Against Humans/Others:** Paul lists *blasphēmía* among various vices, often alongside other forms of destructive speech like malice, anger, and filthy language ([[Colossians 3:8]], [[Ephesians 4:31]]). Here, it denotes abusive or defamatory speech directed at others. It is also used to describe those who speak evil of things they do not understand ([[2 Peter 2:10]], [[Jude 1:10]]) or those who bring false accusations ([[1 Timothy 6:4]], [[Titus 3:2]]). Notably, in [[Jude 1:9]], Michael the archangel refrains from a *blasphēmía* (reviling judgment) against the devil, demonstrating restraint and deference to God's ultimate judgment. The severity of *blasphēmía* is context-dependent, with that directed against God carrying the most dire consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verbal and Adjectival Forms:**
* βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō, `{{G987}}`): The verb form, meaning "to blaspheme," "to revile," or "to slander."
* βλάσφημος (blasphēmos, `{{G989}}`): The adjective, meaning "blasphemous," "slanderous," or "abusive."
* **Synonyms and Antonyms:**
* **Synonyms:**
* κακολογία (kakologia, `{{G2567}}`): "evil speaking," "slander." Often used interchangeably with *blasphēmía* in some contexts, though *blasphēmía* frequently carries a stronger connotation of impious speech.
* λοιδορία (loidoría, `{{G3059}}`): "reviling," "abuse," "insult."
* κατηγορία (katēgoria, `{{G2724}}`): "accusation," "charge." While not identical, blasphemy often involves false accusations against God or His people.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:**
* εὐλογία (eulogia, `{{G2129}}`): "blessing," "praise," "good speech." The direct opposite of "evil speaking."
* δοξάζω (doxazō, `{{G1392}}`): "to glorify," "to honor."
* **Old Testament Background:** The concept of blasphemy is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the Decalogue's prohibition against taking God's name in vain ([[Exodus 20:7]], [[Deuteronomy 5:11]]) and the severe law concerning blasphemers ([[Leviticus 24:10-16]]). The Hebrew word for "blaspheme" is often חָרַף (charaph, `{{H2778}}`), meaning "to taunt, reproach, defy."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βλασφημία is profound:
* **Nature of Sin:** *Blasphēmía* reveals the depth of human rebellion against God. It is not merely a verbal transgression but an outward manifestation of an inward disposition of hostility, pride, or unbelief towards the divine. It represents a direct assault on the character and sovereignty of God.
* **Gravity of Blasphemy against God:** This is considered one of the most grievous sins because it directly attacks the honor, character, and sovereignty of God. It is a direct affront to His holiness and majesty. The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is uniquely severe because it represents a final, unrepentant rejection of the very means by which God offers salvation, thus sealing one's condemnation. It is not a casual word but a hardened, deliberate, and persistent opposition to the Spirit's work of conviction and grace.
* **Distinction between Blasphemy against God and Man:** While both are sinful, the former carries eternal consequences because it rejects the source of salvation. The latter, while damaging to human relationships and a violation of God's law, does not necessarily sever one's relationship with God if repented of.
* **Call to Reverence:** The pervasive condemnation of *blasphēmía* in Scripture underscores the absolute necessity of reverence, awe, and honor towards God's name and being. It calls believers to guard their speech carefully, ensuring it glorifies God and edifies others, rather than tearing down or dishonoring.
### Summary
The Greek term βλασφημία (blasphēmía, `{{G988}}`) denotes "injurious speech," encompassing both general slander and reviling against humans and, most significantly, blasphemy against God. Its core meaning emphasizes vilification and defamation. In the New Testament, it is prominently used to describe the accusations leveled against Jesus for claiming divine prerogatives ([[Mark 2:7]], [[John 10:33]]) and the unique, unforgivable "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit," which signifies a deliberate and persistent rejection of God's saving power and truth ([[Matthew 12:31-32]]). The word also applies to "evil speaking" or "railing" against fellow human beings ([[Ephesians 4:31]], [[Colossians 3:8]]). Theologically, *blasphēmía* highlights the gravity of rebellion against divine authority and underscores the imperative for reverence, demonstrating that one's words are a profound indicator of the heart's disposition towards God and others.
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